A new study has revealed how pear trees use a hidden layer of RNA communication to defend themselves against fungal infection. Scientists discovered that a long non-coding RNA named MSTRG.32189 forms a regulatory network with PcmiR399b and PcUBC24 to control phosphate levels and disease resistance. Acting like a molecular decoy, MSTRG.32189 fine-tunes the plant’s internal balance between nutrition and immunity. When its expression decreases during infection, the pear’s defense system activates, boosting resistance through increased phosphate accumulation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. This finding offers a new window into how plants coordinate nutrient metabolism with immune protection.

A new study has assembled the first high-quality chromosome-level genome of Acer pentaphyllum, one of the world’s most endangered and ornamental maples. The findings reveal how the species’ genome adapted to the harsh dry-hot valleys of western China through expansions and positive selection of genes related to photosynthesis, plant hormone signaling, and pathogen defense. Population genomic analyses across 28 wild populations uncovered low genetic diversity, high inbreeding, and accumulation of harmful mutations, especially at range edges. These results provide essential genetic insights for guiding conservation planning and genetic rescue of this critically endangered species.

A new study led by Nigerian researchers suggests a simple ingredient could make diesel engines cleaner: water. By blending precise amounts of water with diesel fuel, scientists have shown that emissions of several harmful pollutants can be dramatically reduced without major engine modifications.

Researchers at Okayama University of Science (OUS) have developed a new histological staining technique that allows direct visualization of ancient proteins within fossil tissues, preserving their microstructural context. This innovative approach enables scientists to verify the authenticity of endogenous proteins—those that originated from the ancient organism itself—before performing complex molecular analyses, reducing contamination risks that have long challenged paleoproteomic studies. Tested on Pleistocene elephant fossils from Japan, the method successfully detected Type I collagen using Van Gieson’s staining, with findings confirmed by mass spectrometry. The study also revealed that bone preserves proteins better than dentine, offering valuable guidance for future fossil analysis. This simple yet powerful technique could revolutionize how researchers screen fossils for preserved proteins, paving the way for future investigations into even older specimens, including dinosaurs.

A new study led by researchers at Tianjin University reveals that particles from shipping exhausts are contributing more to global warming than previously thought. The study identifies “brown carbon,” a light‑absorbing component of ship emissions, as a hidden driver of heat retention in the atmosphere.

Researchers from the University of Melbourne have discovered a sustainable new use for lignite, also known as brown coal, showing how it can clean up toxic heavy metals from wastewater and then be reused as a light‑driven catalyst for breaking down pollutants.

A new review published in Carbon Research highlights an innovative way for Australia to confront its food waste crisis while cutting greenhouse gas emissions: transforming food scraps into biochar.

Cyanobacterial blooms, those green mats that spread across summer lake surfaces—do more than just spoil the scenery. New research from Anhui University reveals how the rise and fall of these blooms can trigger a hidden recycling system that keeps polluted lakes trapped in poor condition long after the visible bloom has vanished.

A team of researchers has developed a powerful new method to measure how much carbon mango orchards can store, using artificial intelligence and satellite imagery. Their approach could help farmers and policymakers better understand the role of fruit trees in tackling climate change.